Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has given IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu until November 5 to defend terrorism charges against him or risk forfeiting his right to do so, after he repeatedly refused to open his defence
Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu November 5 Deadline to Defend Terrorism Charges or Forfeit Right
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5, 2025, to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.
The judge issued the warning after Kanu, for the fourth consecutive day, failed to commence his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s earlier decision overruling his no-case submission.
Justice Omotosho noted that the court had previously adjourned the matter on October 27 for the defendant to either file his final written address or begin his defence.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu — who is conducting his case personally — informed the court that he had not filed any final address as directed but had instead submitted a motion and supporting affidavit.
He insisted that he would not enter any defence, arguing that the charges against him were invalid.
“I am convinced there is no valid charge known to any extant law pending against me,” Kanu declared. “I should be set free and allowed to go home immediately because there is no valid charge for which I should continue to stand trial.”
In response, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) described Kanu’s filings as incompetent, contending that they were not properly submitted before the court.
Awomolo accused Kanu of deliberately delaying proceedings, urging the judge to treat his recent documents as his final written address and proceed to judgment.
“The defendant is not interested in defending himself. The court should stop indulging him further,” Awomolo said.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s filings were properly before the court and would be considered at judgment.
The judge, noting that Kanu is not a lawyer, said it was appropriate to allow him more time to consult legal counsel and prepare adequately.
“In the interest of justice, the defendant is hereby given until November 5 to either open his defence or be deemed to have waived his right to do so,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
The case, which has drawn national and international attention, has witnessed multiple delays due to interlocutory motions, Kanu’s health concerns, and disputes over legal representation.
